Art, Beyond the Gallery System.
Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector, Openhalle offers a new way to find art and support artists directly.
How to Start Collecting
1. Explore Our Auction
Begin by looking through our current auction. Each artwork comes with key context helping you make informed decisions.
2. Register to Bid
Registration is simple and gives you immediate access to place bids, track your favorite works, and receive personalised notifications.
3. Bid with Confidence
Track the artworks you love, place your bid, and join a community that is actively shaping the future of contemporary art collecting.
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Direct from the Source
Acquire pieces knowing you are directly supporting the artist.
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Curation You Can Trust
We select a compelling, concise group of artists for each auction from our open calls.
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Beyond Digital
Experience the texture, scale, and presence of each piece at our physical viewings before the online auction closes.
FAQ
How do I register for an auction?
To place bids in an auction on weserhalle.com, the first step is to Register. Once you’re registered and logged in, simply navigate to the auction artwork page. Happy bidding!
What is the starting bid/estimated value?
Each artwork has two prices – the estimated value and the starting bid. The estimated value is the price the artwork would regularly sell for. The starting bid is usually without exception, between 25 – 50 % below their normal gallery price aka the estimated value. Which means that each lot presents the potential to buy a great work of art, and directly support the artist.
Of course, the final selling price may wind up above the estimated value, but that only means that other bidders are very keen on the work—Good luck out there!
How do I place a bid?
Bidding is easy with Weserhalle’s automatic bidding system. Once you’re logged in, navigate to the artwork you’d like to bid on, select any bidding amount greater than or equal to the minimum bid shown, then click the “Place a Bid” button. This will automatically place a bid for you at the next increment and save the amount you entered (if higher) as your maximum bid. Don’t worry—we won’t let you bid against yourself. You will be notified via email each time you are outbid.
How do your bidding increments work?
Bidding increments determine the amount of the next bid that can be placed. Increments are based on the current bid and increase as bidding goes up. Our bidding increments are:
Under 100 €: 1 €
100 € — 250 €: 5 €
250 € — 500 €: 25 €
500 € — 1 000 €: 50 €
1 000 € – 5 000 €: 100 €
5 000 € and above: 250 €
Why was I immediately outbid?
If you are outbid immediately after placing a bid, it’s likely that another bidder is using ‘Max Bid’ (maximum bid) and has a maximum limit higher than yours. You’ll need to increase your maximum limit in order to be the highest bidder. Max Bid is explained further below.
What is a Max Bid?
The Max Bid (maximum bid) feature allows you to set the highest price you are willing to pay for the selected artwork. Our bidding system will then take care of the process, outbidding other bidders by the incremental value up to but not exceeding your maximum bid. Entering a Maximum Bid does not necessarily mean you will pay that price, and you may pay less.
What is the Watchlist all about?
If you’re curious about an artwork but not ready to make a bid, you can add the item to your watchlist. You will be notified of the bidding activity on the selected artwork via email.
Will I receive email notifications?
Yes. You’ll receive an email when your bid is confirmed, when you’re outbid, and if you win. Please register with a valid email address and check it regularly during the auction.
How do payments work?
Winning bidders receive an email after the auction with checkout instructions. We accept credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers.
- Payment deadline: within 7 days of invoice.
- Payment security: all transactions are encrypted.
- Failed payments: if payment is not completed within the deadline, the sale may be cancelled and the work offered to the next highest bidder.
What about tax and fees?
- Prices do not include VAT (7 % in Germany).
- No buyer’s premium is charged.
- Only shipping costs apply.
How does delivery work?
- Delivery cost is additional and depends on size, weight, and destination.
- Collection from the gallery is possible.
- Works are shipped with tracking and insurance.
- Typical delivery: 5–10 business days in Germany, 10–21 internationally.
- Buyers outside the EU are responsible for customs duties and local taxes.
What happens if the artwork is damaged or not as described?
- Report damages within 48 hours with photos.
- Returns are generally not accepted unless the work is significantly not as described.
How does the auction end?
- Auctions close at a fixed time.
- If a bid is placed within the final 2 minutes, the auction extends by 2 minutes (soft close).
- Some works may have reserve prices; if not met, the work will not be sold.